Dog welfare groups hail the decision

ANIMAL welfare organisations have welcomed the news of Drumbo Park’s closure as they called for “excess” pups and dogs to be rehomed rather than euthanised.

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), the second oldest animal welfare organisation in the world, previously expressed concerns about the overbreeding of greyhounds for racing and the difficulty rehoming them.

The charity’s David Wilson said it is “opposed to the exploitation of greyhounds for financial gain”.

“Racing dogs whose careers are ended by injury or age have a future surrounded by uncertainty. Some are exported to Europe to run on flapper tracks, others are abandoned as unwanted. Greyhounds make amazing pets and the USPCA have rehomed many over the years,” he said.

“If this closure leaves dogs available for rehoming please contact your local shelter and give these animals the future they deserve.”

Sue Corrin from Almost Home Greyhound Rescue NI added: “I am thrilled to hear this news, though not the job losses. This is great news for the greyhounds in the long-term, as hopefully less will be bred.

“I am concerned about the dogs currently running and the pups on the ground. I hope any excess will be rehomed via reputable rescues and not simply euthanised. That already happens to too many non-chasers, injured or retirees aged two years and up. We do our best and are here to help all pups and dogs that need us.”